A mixture of scepticism and confusion flowed throughout the coach's body. Hearing what Louis revealed raised a number of questions.
"...are you being serious?" he asked.
"Yeah, I am," answered Louis, nodding.
The man turned to the trio of trainers to his right. They nodded, confirming Louis' answer. The coach became perplexed by this new information.
"No way, I don't believe this," he said, thinking that being able to talk to Pokémon was impossible.
Louis sighed.
"Alright, I'll prove it to you."
The boy gestured one of his Pokémon to help him prove his ability to the coach. Fennekin approached the boy, who picked it up and placed it on his legs.
"Fen-Fen. Fennekin Fen," it said.
"Ok...what did it say?" inquired Coach.
"Fennekin said...'We know it sounds ridiculous, but Louis really can speak to us'," translated Louis.
The man turned his head to the fox Pokémon.
"Is that true?" he asked.
Fennekin nodded. The coach's eyes widened in amazement.
Then, a voice from the loudspeakers emitted.
"Louis Serrano, please go to the docks," it said. "You have some visitors."
Louis' eyes perked up. It was them. He stood up, then shifted his head to look at his team of Pokémon.
"Would you guys mind waiting here?" he said. "I'll be right back."
The boy dashed to the docks faster than anyone could have predicted.
As they watched in awe, Suzuki had an important thing to get off of his chest. He slowly approached Louis' Pokémon.
"Hey, Azul?" called Suzuki.
Froakie spun around to the veteran trainer.
"Froak?" it said.
"Mind if I speak to you for a second?"
The wind flew past Louis' face as he sped toward the docks.
But then, out the corner of his eye, the boy noticed a small, white figure appearing to catch up to the boy. He turned his head to the right to see a Pokémon that seemed to be Scorbunny, except this one had its upper body covered in mostly red while the lower body was mostly black.
"...Scorbunny?" the boy blurted.
The Pokémon in question, turned around to the boy while running backwards.
"It's Raboot now!" it called, before speeding off.
As the ocean came into view, Louis stood at the top of the staircase leading to the docks. Gazing down the staircase, the boy spotted two familiar figures standing on the docks.
Taki helped Crocanaw by fixing up her bow.
"There. All better," she said.
"Thanks, Taki," replied Crocanaw.
With a smile stretching as wide as he could muster, Louis slid down the railings of the stairs toward the docks. His speed began to pick up as he reached the dock. However, the increase in momentum didn't give him enough time to stick the landing and he sent himself tumbling to the floor.
"Nngh, that wasn't supposed to happen," the boy groaned.
He got back onto his feet and brushed off the dust from his clothes.
Excitement filled the boy's heart as he ran toward the girl and her Pokémon.
Taki sensed a movement to her right. She spun around to face the oncoming blur and saw Louis dashing toward them.
A driving force sent Taki to sprint toward the boy. They both embraced in a tight hug and spun around, laughing.
"Didn't think you missed me this much," said Taki, smiling.
"How could I not miss you?" replied Louis.
They fell silent, taking in the serenity they had missed since their adventures in Johto. Many memorable thoughts crossed the pair until the boy's parents locked eyes on their son.
"Louis!" called Miguel.
The boy jogged toward the two adults, but then Crocanaw leapt up to the boy, sending him to the ground.
"Don't forget me," the blue, scaly Pokémon said.
"How could I?!" Louis jested.
They both shared a tight hug before Crocanaw let the boy head over to his parents.
"I'm so glad you all came," he said, before hugging both parents.
"It means a lot."
And, as the last of the boy's feelings of homesickness began to leave him, the group prepared to take the first steps toward the great academy.
"Hey, what about us?" a voice said from behind.
"Huh?" blurted Louis.
The boy turned back to the ship, where two, familiar, ghost-like Pokémon materialised while another rose up from the shadows on the dock.
"Gastly?! Haunter?! Gengar?!" exclaimed Louis. "What are you three doing here?!"
"You think we'd miss out on this?" said Gastly.
With that out of the way, the group stepped, or floated, up the stairs. When they reached the top, every single one of them, except Louis, became mesmerised by the structures before them.
"Told ya'," said Louis.
Being in unfamiliar territory, the group were unsure of where Louis was taking them.
"Uh, where are we going?" asked Crocanaw.
"My other friends are waiting for me," answered Louis.
With Louis as their guide, the rest of the party followed from behind, gazing upon the architecture and scenery around them.
"Hey, Dad...you hungry?" asked Louis.
"A little," responded Miguel. "Why?"
"Well, the cafeteria is that way," said Louis, pointing toward the cafeteria.
Taki giggled.
"Let me guess, they serve curry there?" she said.
Louis tried his best not to smile and started blushing.
"...only on Thursdays," he answered.
The walk back to the field was quick, with his family providing a fresh rejuvenation of Louis' heart and mind. It was almost as if he wore a new set of armour. Eventually, their curiosity would soon be answered as they had arrived at the field. The first thing that they noticed was the large sakura tree growing in the far side of the field.
"Just like the ones at home," smiled Janet.
The boy felt something tap him on his leg. He looked down to see Crocanaw trying to get his attention.
"Louis, didn't you say that the sakura trees were the only interesting thing at your home?" whispered Crocanaw.
"Not quite," replied Louis. "It was the trees changing the colour of their leaves."
"Hey, you two," called Taki, getting Louis and Crocanaw's attention.
"Check this out," she said, pointing toward the sakura tree.
The pair turned their heads and saw Ludicolo dancing with Violet, with Suzuki and Roy spectating. Eventually, Janet and Miguel caught sight of the same event.
"Hey, a Ludicolo!" said Miguel. "Just like the one I catalogued weeks ago."
"I remember," replied Janet.
The boy gestured for his family and friends to wait for him, as he strolled over to his school friends.
It was then that Suzuki caught sight of the boy approaching.
"Ah, you're back," he said.
"Yeah, just had a much-needed reunion," replied Louis.
Suzuki peered past the boy, catching a glimpse of several newcomers.
"Are they with you?" he questioned.
"Yeah. They're my family and friends from Johto," replied Louis, nodding.
"You wanna introduce us?"
"Of course I do."
Louis turned back to his family.
"Hey guys," he called. "You can come over now."
"These are the friends I made at the academy. Suzuki, Roy and Violet," he added. "Suzuki is the number one trainer here!"
The elder boy blushed slightly.
The two groups exchanged greetings from afar. But then, catching the first glance at Taki, Roy's eyes widened and started twinkling.
Louis spotted the boy's expression.
"Uh...Roy?" he said.
His words fell on deaf ears with Roy now dashing toward Taki.
"Oh man!" he cheered. "You are so beautiful!"
But then, before he could get closer, Roy felt something tugging at his ear and pulling him backwards.
"Ow ow ow ow ow!" he winced.
It was Violet, preventing Roy from making any more of a fool of himself in front of Louis' family and friends.
"Uh, forgive my friend here," said Violet.
While Louis was watching, he noticed that there was a movement coming from Violet's shadow. Noticing the red eyes that were slowly rising from the shadow, Louis drew out a Pokéball and ran toward the eyes.
"Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa!" he exclaimed. "Gengar, don't...even...think about it!"
"Huh?" blurted Violet.
She spun to gaze at her shadow and spotted the same red eyes emerging from the dark spot. Then, Gengar emerged from the darkness, with Haunter and Gastly appearing before them as well.
"Ugh, you ruined it, kid!" groaned Haunter.
"I'm not gonna let you scare my friends!" responded Louis.
Roy moved Louis aside to inspect the three Pokémon.
"Whoa!" cheered Roy. "I've never seen a Gastly, Haunter and Gengar at the same time before."
Roy looked at the Ghostly Trio in awe, with Suzuki and Violet trying to bring him back to reality.
"Hey, Louis!" a voice called.
The boy spun around to see Azul in the distance, waving.
"I need to talk to you," it continued.
"Ok! Just a sec!" replied Louis.
He returned his attention to his family and friends.
"Hey, you guys can go ahead and make yourselves comfortable," he said. "I'll be with you in a few moments."
Louis jogged toward his team of Pokémon, curious as to why Azul wanted to speak with him.
"What's up?" asked Louis, arriving at his team's resting spot.
"Azul's got something important to tell us," Torracat responded.
The boy sat down alongside his team, wondering where this was going.
"So..." Azul began. "...Suzuki had a talk with me earlier."
"He did?" responded Riolu. "About what?"
"Well...he said that he'd had a long think about how our first battle went, and how my old trainer was forced to retire..."
"...and?" prodded Marowak.
"And...he offered me a chance to attend a training program over in the Kanto region."
Team Venus' eyes widened at the revelation.
"Kanto?" questioned Staravia.
"But that's an entirely different region," added Fennekin.
"I know," answered Azul.
"What do you think about it...?" questioned Louis. "...and have you said anything in reply?"
"Nothing yet," answered Azul. "I've got my reasons as to why I want to go, and why I don't."
"And...what are the reasons?" inquired Torracat.
Azul's sharp eyes darted to the feline Pokemon. The blue frog paused for a brief moment, pondering the best way of explaining himself.
"Why I don't want to go is..." Azul hesitated. "...of course, you guys."
Every member of the team smiled, appreciating the frog Pokémon's unexpectedly kind words.
"And why you do want to go?" Fennekin asked.
Azul hesitated to answer.
"Um..."
"It's ok, Azul," Louis reassured. "You can tell us."
Azul took in a deep breath before answering;
"For starters, I feel like it could help build my teamwork skills more," it began. "And it'll help me get out of my comfort zone and..."
"And what?" prodded Staravia.
"...because I want to compete in a Pokémon League in the future."
Silence swept the area as the party stared at Azul, stunned by his answer.
"A Pokémon League?" said Riolu, sensing the bright aura in Azul.
"I didn't think that would be one of the reasons," it continued.
Azul raised one eyelid.
"What did you expect?" it asked.
"I don't know," answered Riolu.
For a brief moment, no one made a sound. Not long after, Azul broke the silence.
"So...what do you guys think?" it asked.
The rest of the group pondered for a brief moment.
From afar, Suzuki, Roy, Violet, Taki, Miguel and the Ghostly trio gazed upon the boy and his Pokémon.
"Hmm, I wonder what they're talking about," blurted Violet.
Then, the frog Pokémon got an answer.
"I guess it's your call," said Louis.
"Huh?" responded Azul.
"Aside from Pokémon battles, what right do I have to make a decision for a Pokémon?" the boy explained.
"You got a point there," said Marowak.
"Yeah," added Staravia. "Besides, this is something that was offered to you, so you should make the decision."
Azul nodded, understanding their words.
"I'll need to have a big think about it," it said.
At that moment, Louis spotted Roy making dramatic poses in the distance, in an effort to describe training. However, while attempting another pose, he tripped and fell to the ground. Violet chuckled.
"Company awaits," the boy said, gesturing toward his family and friends.
The boy stood up and walked back to his family and friends, with his team of Pokémon following from behind. As he got closer, Louis spotted numerous staff members dashing around the academy with supplies and decorations in their arms.
"Oh gosh, oh gosh, I'm late-I'm late-I'm late!" one teacher panicked.
Louis chuckled as he rejoined his family and friends.
"Hey guys," he greeted. "What did we miss?"
"Roy was busy showing off again," joked Suzuki.
"Hey!" grumbled Roy.
The group of friends began chuckling before Suzuki spoke again.
"Oh, Louis..." he paused. "...you didn't tell us your father or Taki could talk to Pokémon too."
"I was...going to surprise you all," replied Louis.
The Eight AM bell tolled in the distance.
The friends looked at each other, a knowing glance, one of excitement, nerves and pride.
"Good morning students," a voice over the loudspeaker began. "All trainers competing in the annual National Pokémon Academy Tournament, please go to the Pokémon Gym."
The boy steeled his nerves as he gazed upon his family and friends.
"Shall we?" he said.
"We shall," replied Suzuki, grinning.
Before setting off, Louis spun to the three ghost Pokémon.
"Are you three coming?" asked Louis.
"We'll catch up with you all later," answered Haunter. "We've got our own things to do."
"Where will you be?" asked Louis, raising a sceptical eyebrow.
"Very close by," answered Gengar as the three Pokémon vanished.
After a short walk, the entire party arrived at the academy's Pokémon gym. They all stepped through the entrance doors. Inside, the room bustled with activity. The entire school's population of students and faculty members began to stream in, and soon found their seats amid the gymnasium's excitement.
Miguel whistled in amazement.
"Talk about a crowd," he blurted.
A tune played lightly over the P.A system, occasionally pierced with feedback as staff brushed past the equipment in their rush to set up.
One of the staff members gathered cups of coffee for the rest of the faculty. The crowd talked to one another in excitement for the event.
Louis gazed up, noticing the colourful banners hanging from the rafters. One of the banners featured a list of all the tournament's previous champions. The boy spotted Suzuki's name among them...as well as Simon's name. This made Louis clench his fist.
"Uh, Louis?" said Crocanaw, noticing the boy's clenched fist.
"Are you alright?"
"Huh?" blurted Louis, snapping back to reality. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Soon, the party entered the stands, waiting for the event to begin.
"And to think that not long ago, you weren't interested in stuff like this," said Taki.
"How times change," replied Louis.
"Well, whatever happens, we believe in you," Taki finished.
The boy smiled.
"Thanks, Taki," he said.
After some time, the lights inside the gym began to dim down as the spotlight illuminated in the centre of the arena. One of the academy's professors stepped into the light, brandishing a microphone from his pocket.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the professor began. "Welcome to our annual National Pokémon Academy Tournament!"
The area roared in applause.
"And a very special welcome to our guests and faculty as well," continued the professor.
"I'd like to give a big thanks to all of the staff who have been a big help to our trainers' journey's here at the academy. Especially Ms Flora and Coach."
The entire crowd applauded the two members of staff.
"Wait, does Coach have a name?" questioned Louis.
"That is his name," answered Suzuki.
"And now..." the professor paused. "I'd like you all to direct your attention to the big screen."
The spotlight switched off as a large screen lowered from the roof. A projector illuminated the sheet, displaying a presentation of Pokémon battles.
"Right now, millions of trainers around the world have been travelling far and wide to be the very best, like no-one ever was."
The crowd watched the myriad of images displayed in awe. Quick cuts of training, interviews and battles played upon the screen's surface.
"Trainers of the past, present and future, have all experienced these kinds of situations and made their mark in history."
The screen immediately displayed the previous champions of the academy's previous tournaments.
"And right now, I can guarantee that we will make history today!"
Then, orchestral music began to crescendo as the screen displayed the image of a Pokéball and a caption that read;
'National Pokémon Academy Tournament'
The professor cleared his throat.
"With that, the tournament will begin...now!" he announced.
A round of applause echoed throughout the building. It was clear how important this tournament was in the academy.
"Our first match is Roy Hunter and Team Supernova facing off against Terrance Brady and Team Whirlwind."
Terrance, a kid almost as scruffy as Roy, approached the starting position in an effortless swagger as his long, dark hair swayed with each step.
Roy noticed something. Terrance had a whirlwind patch on his shirt.
"Hey, Suzuki!" called Roy over the crowd. "...why didn't we make patches?!"
The crowd's murmur turned to a slight laugh.
Suzuki simply shrugged and smiled.
"I guess it shows the dedication with that guy," Louis spoke.
"Roy better be careful here," added Violet.
As Roy positioned himself, the referee raised his arms into the air.
"BEGIN!" he announced.
The first round of the match ended in a decisive battle as Terrance's Gliscor was defeated by Roy's Lycanroc.
Roy made the smart choice of switching out Lycanroc with another Pokémon as Terrance sent his Skarmory to the battlefield. Roy brought Electabuzz out from its Pokéball to face off against the opposing Pokémon. The second battle ended rather quickly as Electabuzz's attacks were super effective against Skarmory who ended up losing after just two attacks.
The investment from the crowd was a lot to take in for Roy as he prepared for the next battle.
"That boy's really good," said Miguel.
"Just wait till you see Suzuki in battle," replied Violet.
Roy decided to keep Electabuzz on the field and waited for Terrance to bring out his third and final Pokémon.
This would pay off for Roy as his opponent sent out a Trumbeak.
Another decisive battle brought this match to close as one of Electabuzz's caused the opposing Trumbeak to faint.
"Trumbeak is unable to battle. Electabuzz wins!" the referee announced. "The winner of this battle is Roy Hunter and Team Supernova!"
The audience applauded and cheered. Roy wiped the sweat off of his face as he approached Terrance.
"Good match, man," said Roy, reaching his hand out.
Terrance too, extended a hand, but he held something. He slapped it into Roy's hand as they shook. Surprised, Roy looked at the object given. A small, blue-white whirlwind patch met his gaze, and Roy's face lit up.
"Whoa!" he exclaimed. "Hey, Suzuki! Look at what Terrance gave me!"
He held up the small, fabric design.
As Roy joined his friends again, the next set of battles went underway. This one went back and forth as nail-biting tension swept over the crowd. Once that battle had concluded and the trainer's returned to the stands. The professor announced the next match.
"Next up is Suzuki Hamada and Team Comet versus Kara West and Team Platinum."
Suzuki stood up.
"Alright, wish me luck," he said.
"Do you really need luck?" joked Roy.
Violet flicked Roy's ear in response.
"Ow!"
Suzuki chuckled and rolled his eyes as he stepped onto the battlefield.
The young, brown-haired Kara trotted onto the arena and readied herself for battle as the referee raised his arms.
"Ready? BEGIN!"
The battle was very tough for both creatures as it went back and forth.
In the end, Bayleef managed to get a good strike on Jigglypuff. So good, in fact, that it was enough to make Jigglypuff fall to the ground. Bayleef had won the first round.
"Whew, nice one Kara," complimented Suzuki.
The girl nodded in excitement. She'd actually won a round against the great Suzuki. After returning his Jigglypuff, Suzuki brought out Fletchinder to the battlefield.
Unfortunately for Kara, this next battle didn't go in her favour as Bayleef, being a grass-type Pokémon, was incredibly vulnerable to fire attacks. After a small number of attacks from Fletchinder, Bayleef collapsed under its own weight.
Although Kara was disappointed in the result of the round, she wasn't ready to give up. Determination filled her heart as she deployed her next combatant.
Suzuki decided to keep Fletchinder out as Kara brought out a Swellow to battle. This round of attacks, just like the first one, went back and forth. No Pokémon was breaking a sweat.
It was close to call, but Fletchinder managed to land a carefully placed strike against Swellow, sending it to the earth below. With just one Pokémon left in her team, Kara prepared for this next battle, which she hoped wouldn't be her last. Suzuki's training and team cohesion would soon prove her worries to be true. Suzuki won the final round, his Pokémon swiftly dispatching her final entrant.
"The winner of this battle is Suzuki Hamada and Team Comet!" announced the referee.
Miguel stood and cheered slightly too loudly, as the rest of the party turned their gaze toward him.
"Ahem," he said, and he sat down again.
Janet pinched the bridge of her nose.
Not long after, another set of battles had finished up. The professor brought out a microphone and moved it close to his mouth.
"Next up is Violet Watson and Team Nebula facing off against..." the professor paused, briefly.
"...Simon Varnett and his team," he finished.
Suzuki facepalmed.
"Oh no..." he muttered.
Violet turned pale.
"Crud," she squeaked.
Good news, the tournament has begun and Suzuki and Roy are advancing. Bad news, Violet is taking on Simon. I hope nothing bad happens.
Anyway, thanks for reading. Is there something you enjoyed? Can you guess what happens next? Or...what do you hope to see in future chapters? If so, go ahead and leave a review explaining any of these reasons. (Please don't leave hurtful reviews)
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Thanks again. See you next time